Air conditioners are complex machines that require all of their components to work in harmony in order to provide refreshing air in your home. Unfortunately, these components can fail from time to time, necessitating repair or replacement. The most costly part of any air conditioner to repair or replace is the compressor. This article will provide an overview of air compressors and air conditioning repair in Fair Oaks, CA, as well as tips for maintaining your cooling system.
The compressor is the heart of the system and is responsible for circulating the refrigerant through the system. The most common type of coil has a fin and tube design, which is the least expensive but also the least efficient and the most prone to damage. A flap-shaped design is more efficient and less likely to leak, but only a few brands use it. The most efficient type of condenser coil has a microchannel design, which requires less coolant and is highly resistant to corrosion, but it is also the most expensive.
Home warranty plans usually cover air conditioning systems, although landlords may have to pay for service calls. Central air conditioning units are composed of three components: the evaporator, the condenser and the compressor. If you suspect something is wrong with the outdoor unit of your air conditioning system, it is almost certainly a problem with the condenser. Regular maintenance on your cooling system is essential and you should change the air filter as often as recommended by the manufacturer. The heat from your home air is transferred to the refrigerant, which then travels to the condenser to cool down again.
Be wary of cheap air conditioner repairs, as they are often a sign of low-quality parts, unnecessary replacements or inexperienced HVAC technicians. Repairing an air conditioner can take anywhere from one hour up to eight hours depending on what part needs to be repaired or replaced. Flushing the drain pipe or replacing a fuse usually takes less than an hour, while complex repairs such as replacing the evaporator coil or compressor can take all day. This does not refer to the weight of the air conditioning unit, but to the amount of air it can cool in a given period of time. It is important to call a licensed HVAC technician for any repair involving a refrigerant, which is toxic and can cause serious illness or death if not handled properly. Homeowners should ensure that their air conditioners receive regular maintenance and tune-ups in order to prevent capacitors from needing replacement.
The condenser unit replacement process can take three to six hours and many companies charge a minimum service fee. In conclusion, replacing or repairing an AC unit's compressor is one of the most expensive parts of any air conditioner. It is important to perform regular maintenance on your cooling system and change the air filter as often as recommended by the manufacturer. Lastly, beware of cheap repairs as they are often a sign of low-quality parts or inexperienced HVAC technicians.
